Can one say a davar shebekedusha in the vicinity of a foul odor if air freshener is used to mask it?

As we have learned, there are restrictions which pertain to saying a davar shebekedusha in the vicinity of a foul odor, whether it emanates from tzoah or another putrid substance. Using an air freshener to mask the odor is subject to debate. Some are lenient in the case of a sick person who cannot tend to his own bathroom needs, since he would be unable to learn or daven otherwise.


ס"ק טז; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 23 ,24 ו־2




Which parts of the body must be clean before one says a davar shebekedusha?


The Gemara records a disagreement about whether a davar shebekedusha can be recited if a part of one’s body (which is covered) is exposed to, or touching, tzoah. The lenient view holds that as long as a person’s mouth and nose are not exposed to tzoah, reciting a davar shebekedusha is permitted. The stringent view holds that this restriction applies to all parts of the body. The Rishonim disagree as to which view the halacha follows. There is also an opinion which explains that even the lenient view only allows a davar shebekedusha to be said if the tzoah is on a part of the body which is naturally covered, such as under one’s arms. It is appropriate to be stringent and make sure that one’s body is completely clean before saying a davar shebekedusha.


סעיף ד-ה וס"ק יב-יד; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 17





What is the ideal way to dress for davening?



If there is tzoah on a person’s garment and it is covered, all opinions agree that a davar shebekedusha may be said. Nonetheless, a person should try to always wear clean clothing, especially for davening. Ideally, a person should wear special clothing for davening. In this way his davening will be akin to the Kohanim’s service in the Beis Hamikdosh, which was performed with special clothing.


ס"ק יב ו־טו; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 18

  • Shulchon Aruch rules that one may say a davar shebekedusha in front of an ervah if he either closes his eyes or turns his head. (If the person himself is undressed, it does not help to close his eyes.) Many Achronim disagree, however, and maintain that saying a davar shebekedusha in such circumstances is only permitted if one turns his entire body to the side.

  • A person may only say a davar shebekedusha in a state of cleanliness. Therefore, one may not say a davar shebekedusha if there is tzoah (feces) within four amos of where he is standing. In addition, tzoah may not be in his line of sight at all, regardless of its distance. If the tzoah emanates a foul odor, one must stand four amos beyond the spot where the odor can no longer be detected.


  • If tzoah is being carried or if one is standing by a body of water and tzoah is flowing by, a davar shebekedusha may not be said. 






  • Must one check a baby’s diaper to see if it is clean before davening?








  • If one davened in an unclean area, must he repeat the davening?








  • Cleansing an area with water
PLEASE NOTE:  The information in this email is for learning purposes only. Please review the Mishna Berura and Biurim U'Musafim before making a halachic decision. Hebrew words are occasionally transliterated to enable a smoother reading of the text. Common Ashkenazi pronunciation is generally used in these cases.
Daf Hayomi B'Halacha Shiur
Rav Asher Eisenberger
Rabbi Asher Eisenberger
Synopsis of Today's Halachos
Rabbi Yerachmiel Garfield
Synopsis of Today's Halachos
This Week's Limud